Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGF beta superfamily. BMPs are involved in the induction of cartilage and bone formation. Induces cartilage and bone formation. May be the osteoinductive factor responsible for the phenomenon of epithelial osteogenesis. Plays a role in calcium regulation and bone homeostasis. BMP-8 is thought to be involved in early development, as detectable expression has not been found in adult organs. Two BMP-8 proteins exist, namely BMP-8A and BMP-8B (also designated OP-2), and are encoded by two distinct genes.